Long Term Substitute School Counselor Grade 6 (3312)

Natick Public Schools•Natick, MA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Natick Public Schools seeks a Long Term Substitute Middle School Guidance Counselor for a Grade 6 position. The approximate dates for this role are November 20, 2026, to April 5, 2027. Natick Public Schools serves approximately 5,300 students from Pre-K through age 22 and is described as an innovative, supportive, and high-performing district. The district is committed to providing high-quality services to a diverse student population, with families speaking nearly 60 languages. The district emphasizes high standards, a safe and respectful learning environment, and fosters connectedness and belonging. With a 97% graduation rate and 90% of students attending post-secondary schools, Natick Public Schools is dedicated to preparing students for a global world. The district welcomes educators who thrive in a diverse environment and focus on the whole child using a strengths-based approach. They are looking for partners to support diversity, promote equitable practices, and create meaningful connections for all staff, students, and families to feel included and thrive.

Requirements

MA Degree in School Counseling
MA DESE Certification and Licensure as a School Counselor 5-12, or pending certification
Thorough understanding of adolescent development
Demonstrated commitment to ensuring academic success for all students
Thorough understanding of a broad range of counseling techniques needed to support diverse student needs
Knowledge of best practices for social-emotional learning
Thorough understanding of and commitment to the principles and practices of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice as they relate to student, staff and community engagement and cultivation
Demonstrated aptitude for work to be performed
Candidates should have a passion for working with students, families, and colleagues
Candidates must be flexible and collaborative
Candidates must be able to multitask in a fast-paced, supportive environment that nurtures student growth
Candidates must be organized and able to meet ongoing, time-sensitive deadlines for work production
Formal application
Rating of education and experience
Oral interviews
Reference check
Strong record of work performance in current and previous roles required
Successful completion of Criminal Records Check (C.O.R.I.), Sexual Offender Record Check (S.O.R.I.), and fingerprints.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Google Suite (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Classroom, etc.) and PowerSchool preferred, but will train the right candidate
Bilingual skills, especially in Spanish and Portuguese, are desirable but not required

Responsibilities

Respond to the personal, social-emotional, and mental health needs of students.
Provide assistance and encouragement to students as they develop post-secondary plans.
Use culturally proficient practices to support and advocate for students and their families.
Provide direct service through individual meetings and classroom seminars.
Provide indirect support through collaboration and consultation with colleagues across disciplines, including administration, teachers, and student support service providers.
Works with district and school leadership to combat systemic barriers that limit student, family, and staff members’ equitable access to opportunity.
Identifies and addresses bias and its impact on rigor and opportunity for students and staff.
Updates policies and equitable access procedures.
Provide post secondary planning, including support with the college application process and assisting students with alternative post graduation goals.
Maintain active participation in IEP meetings and lead annual 504 meetings.
Ensure use of effective communication to build connections with students and parents/guardians while addressing student needs and refer them to the appropriate school and community resources as needed.
Administer developmental guidance seminars based on the ASCA School Counseling Model for each grade level, including the use of Naviance as a resource.
Guide each student to create a personalized course schedule based on their educational, vocational, and personal goals while using PowerSchool to create and manage student schedules.
Write recommendation letters including but not limited to those needed for college, private schools and scholarships.
Participate in the organization and administration of required student testing (MCAS, AP Exams, etc.).
Monitor at-risk students and those in danger of not promoting/graduating while collaborating with the NHS team to develop appropriate interventions.
Engage in creative problem solving while working collaboratively with teachers, administrators and other staff as well as facilitate case management for students involved with outside agencies.
Any other relative duties as assigned.